Premier Armin Laschet and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – Picture by Land NRW, Ralph Sondermann.
Premier Laschet held top level conversations with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Opposition leader Tzipi Livni. Naturally the delegation took the opportunity to pay their respects at Yad Vashem Memorial, and accordingly laid a wreath therein.
Concretely NRW wishes to focus on the following goals vis-Ă -vis Israel:
Opening a state representation: the State Government intends to open it in Tel Aviv to liaise between NRW and Israel in matters of trade, politics, educational and scientific research, cultural affairs, etc.
Scientific research: after Silicon Valley, Tel Avis is deemed as the most innovative hub for start-ups. NRW wishes further exchanges in the research of future technologies such as artificial intelligence, or big data usages for the medical branch.
Economy: Since 2017 NRW Government subsidises the New-Kibbutz programme that finances apprentice ships for students in Israel in companies working with high-tech, that is, IT, life sciences and social impact. North Rhine-Westphalia and the German-Israeli Chamber of Commerce signed an agreement to further intensify the economical relations between NRW and Israel.
Security: of particular relevance are exchanges between Israel and NRW in the prevention of religious fanaticism as well as technologies developed in Israel to enhance state and social security in the prevention of any social threats.
In partnership with retailer Wempe, this exquisite evening of elegance gave prominence to the prestige of watch-making. The art of guilloche, a quintessential craft of Breguet, enthralled attendees with its intricate artistry.
Surrounded by a specialised artisan, invitees had the opportunity to try their hand at this delicate engraving technique, introduced on watch dials in 1786 by Abraham-Louis Breguet. Guests were also charmed by the maison’s most recent creations unveiled during Baselworld 2018.
Dr. Stephan Holthoff-Pförtner and Luo Huining – Picture by Land NRW.Monday, Tuesday, 3-4 September 2018, DĂŒsseldorf: Minister for Federal, European and International Affairs of North Rhine-Westphalia, Dr. Stephan Holthoff-Pförtner, represented Premier Armin Laschet, in welcoming the Party Secretary of Shanxi Province, Luo Huining, at Government House in DĂŒsseldorf. Shanxi is a partner Chinese province for NRW. It accounts for 35 million inhabitants, and lies in central China, ca. 500 km south-west of Peking. Shanxi’s economy relies on mining and energy sectors, the most prominent in the PRC. For further information:https://www.land.nrw/de/pressemitteilung/besuch-aus-der-chinesischen-partnerprovinz-shanxi-minister-holthoff-pfoertnerÂ
HH The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani – Picture by Qatar-Germany Business Forum.
Friday, 7 September 2018, Berlin, Germany: His Highness The Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was in Berlin to speak before the top politicians and business people attending the Qatar-Germany Investment Forum, which included as participants Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel as well as the Governing Mayor of Berlin, Michael MĂŒller.
Organised by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DIHK) and the Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA); this forum was the ninth edition of its kind, albeit it was previously held at London, Paris, New York and Berlin in 2013, bringing together more than 1000 delegates and business people from both Qatar and the hosting countries.
The forum focused upon a variety of current economic, trade and investment topics as well as construction projects including:
Economic security and project financing
Investment opportunities in both countries and joint partnerships
Private to private sector cooperation
Qatarâs diversification projects
This forum was an utter success, wherein HH The Amir of Qatar promised millions of investments onto the German economy. To finalise the forum Qatar Airways’s CEO Akbar Al Baker hosted a banquet for all high-level attendees.
For further information:
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Fiestas Patrias, that is how Chileans refer to their Independence Day, celebrated annually on 18 September.
On the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Chile, theAmbassador of Chile H.E. MarĂaTeresa Infante hosted a reception to celebrate her countyâs 208th anniversary.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/109407424@N02/albums/72157701369458174Ambassador Infante Caffi welcome the Ambassador of Belgium, H.E. Mr. Christ Hornaert.
Scores of Ambassador MarĂaTeresaInfanteâ colleagues, members of the business community, government persons, as well as friends of Chile, came to felicitate her.
The Ambassador remarked, âChile is doing well. There is a new government in place and Chili is still doing ok. Not much has changedâ Guests were than cordially invited to part take of the drinks, food and music performed by a band.
The Ambassador of Chile, together with H.E. Sabine Nölke, Ambassador of Canada and H.E. Ambassador of Costa Rica, H.E. Sergio Ugalde.
There was Chilean wine for wine lovers and the mouth-watering Empanadas. Empanadas are very much associated with the Fiestas Patrias. Ambassador Infante took to the floor and gave a dazzling dance demonstration of the Cueca. Many followed her example.
Friday 14 September 2018 has been a wonderful Fiestas Patrias celebration at the Ambassadorâ residence in Wassenaar
Fatou Bensouda, International Criminal Court Prosecutor.
On 29 September 2016, I announced the opening of a preliminary examination into the situation in Gabon, based on a referral received from the Government of Gabon with respect to crimes allegedly committed in its territory since May 2016 and potentially falling within the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court . My Office also received several article 15 communications alleging crimes in the context of the 2016 presidential election.
Following a thorough factual and legal analysis of all the information available, I have determined that, at this stage, the legal requirements for opening an investigation into the situation in the Gabonese Republic have not been satisfied.
After carefully weighing the information available against the legal requirements of the Rome Statute, I have concluded that there is no reasonable basis to believe that the acts allegedly committed in Gabon in the context of the 2016 post-election violence, either by members of the opposition or by the Gabonese security forces, constitute crimes against humanity within the meaning of the Rome Statute of the ICC.
Nor does the information available provide a reasonable basis to believe that the crime of incitement to genocide was committed during the election campaign. Therefore I have determined that the crimes allegedly committed in the situation in Gabon do not fall within the scope of crimes that the ICC is mandated to investigate and prosecute. Accordingly, I have decided to close this preliminary examination for lack of subject-matter jurisdiction. My Office has issued a detailed report presenting and explaining our findings.
My Office based its assessment on the supporting materials and documentation accompanying the referral, article 15 communications, media reports and other information available, which were subjected to rigorous source evaluation. Should new facts or information become available in the future warranting the reconsideration of my Officeâs conclusions, the preliminary examination could be re-opened. Under the Rome Statute, the referring State – in this case the Gabonese Republic – also has the right, pursuant to article 53(3)(a) of the Statute, to request the Judges of the ICC to review my decision not to proceed to open an investigation.
I would like to emphasise that this conclusion by no means diminishes the seriousness of the violent acts and human rights violations that appear to have occurred in Gabon in the course of the post-election crisis, nor their impact on the victims. Such alleged abuses ought to be addressed by the competent national authorities, including in the absence of formal complaints.
Noting there have been episodes of election-related violence in Gabon in the recent past, and in light of the upcoming legislative and local elections, I urge all individuals and groups to refrain from acts of violence. This Court may still exercise its jurisdiction over Rome Statute crimes that could be committed in Gabon in the future.
My Office will keep a close eye on any outbreak of violence during the upcoming legislative and local elections.
By Roy Lie Atjam.
The Hague, 14 September 2018. On the occasion of the first official visit of the Yemeni “National Committee to Investigate Alleged Violations of Human Rights,â the Embassy of the Republic of Yemen in the Netherlands organized an informative morning on:
The Situation of Human Rights in Yemen “The National Committee to Investigate Alleged Violations of Human Rights”:Achievements and Challenges. The Chancellery of Yemen in The Hague was chosen as the venue. Keynote speaker was Judge Ahmed al-Muflihi. He is the Head of the National Committee on Investigation of Allegations of Human Rights Violations in Yemen.
Other speakers were: the welcome speech and briefing background on the Yemeni National Committee was delivered by Judge GehadAbdulrasol Al-Dengi and Judge Ahmed Omar Arman – the NationalCommittee’s General Executive.
Participants to the conference during the visit of Yemeni National Committee to Investigate Alleged Violations Human Rights to The Hague.
A speech on the latest developments on the situation of human rights in Yemen from the perspective of the National Committee was delivered by Judge Ahmed Saeed Al Maflehy, head of the National Committee. The Providing of an overview of the fifth annual report was done by Judge Nasser Qasem AL-Awdhali and Judge Taher Hussein Al-Faieq. Delivering the latest figures of Human Rights violations, justifications of results, and investigations mechanism was done by Lawyer Hezam Mohammed Ali.
One may wonder what the National Commission to Investigate Alleged Violations of Human rights is all about.
Yemeni National Committee to Investigate Alleged Violations Human Rights.
It is an independent national mechanism to investigate all claims of human rights violations in Yemen.
The Commission was created by virtue of Republican Decree No. 140 of 2012, as amended, to conduct investigation functions in all alleged human rights violations by all conflict parties in all provinces of the Republic of Yemen starting from January 2011 until the state extends its control to the entire territory of Yemen.
This was based on the recommendations of the Human Rights Council in 2011 and 2012 and the Universal Periodic Review in January 2014.
The Commission was supported by the Human Rights Council in resolutions relevant to Yemen in sessions 30, 33 and 36 in 2015, 2016 and 2017.
Its vision: the protection and enhancement of human rights to ensure the stability and security of the Republic of Yemen.
Its mission: to investigate all alleged violations of human rights and the International Humanitarian Law in the Republic of Yemen.
The objective is to ensure justice and relief to victims, provide compensations to those entitled, individual and collective redress.
The commission is respected due to the backing of the Security Council and the Human Rights Council mandate.
Furthermore, the National Commission to Investigate Alleged Violations to Humans has the authority to freely meet with victims of abuses and their family members; government representatives; local authorities; army and security officials; community leaders; political parties; non-governmental organizations; and any other relevant witnesses.
The Yemen dossier is a complex one, transparency and impartiality are therefore imperative.
According to lawyer Hezam Mohammed Ali, transitional judiciary is expected to bring about justice. The commission has interviewed over 3,000 witnesses. It issues a report every 6 months. The last one covers the period from February to July 2018. Noteworthy is the efficiency and how well documented the commission is.
The commission has established 30 types of violation of human right. Then there are over 900 murder cases, dealing with landmines, attacks on ambulances and unmanned drones.
Accomplishments of the commission. In three years of its existence, the Commission issued five periodic reports on the investigation works it carried out in addition to one specific report on prisons and detention centres.
Monitoring, documentation and investigation work: The actual activities of the commission in monitoring, documenting and investigating human rights abuses started in March 2016 following the appointment of commissioners and securing the budget. The commission monitored, documented and investigated more than 20,000 allegations of human rights abuses and stored them in its database.
Information was collected through: direct daily monitoring activities through reporters; listening to victims and eye witnesses; documenting their testimonies in legal terms using certified forms and minutes signed by victims, witnesses and reporters; and hospital records and reports. Direct investigation activities by the assistant investigators working for the commission. direct visits by commissioners to locations of violations. Engagement of military, medical and technical experts to provide descriptions and opinions.
JudgeAhmed Saeed Al Maflehy related an experience which took place about ten days ago at a market in the northern city of Sadah. Terrorists were targeting a group of experts and carry out a missile attack killing innocent people.
The latest updates show that the legitime government of Yemen controls approximately 80%of the country, which means that Houthi plotters are in control of 20% of the country. Yet some information shows that Houthi plotters control 20-30 % of the country, and most of the areas they control are in the northern part of the country.
When asked about the solution to the Yemen situation Ahmed Saeed Al Maflehy responded, the ceasing of fighting and the start of dialogue. The dialogues should be left to the Yemeni. Recent history shows that foreign intervention has failed, Libya, Lebanon and Syria are tangible proof thereof.
The official visit of the Yemeni National Committee to Investigate Alleged Violations of Human Rights to the Netherlands could be classified as successful.
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U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public AffairsNaval Support Activity Naples, Italy – The Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group (CSG) has commenced operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations to continue support to NATO allies, European and African partner nations, coalition partners, and U.S. national security interest in Europe and Africa.Harry S. Truman CSG initially deployed to the European theater April 11, 2018, and returned to its homeport Naval Station Norfolk July 21, 2018, for an extended working port visit.“We are thrilled to have the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group back in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations and look forward to continuing to work with Rear Adm. Gene Black and his team as we conduct the full spectrum of maritime operations,” said Vice Adm. Lisa M. Franchetti, commander of U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy. “The strike group’s return also gives us the opportunity to operate and train with our NATO allies and regional partners, which will enhance our interoperability and readiness as we work together to secure a safe and prosperous region for all.”The strike group got underway Aug. 28, completing training exercises and carrier qualifications in the Atlantic, to include participating in dual-carrier operations with the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) and bi-lateral operations with the Royal Canadian Navy. The strike group which departed Norfolk, includes the flagship Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75); the nine squadrons of Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1; Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy (CG 60); and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 28, USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) and USS Forrest Sherman (DDG 98). Other Harry S. Truman CSG assets operating in the region include Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Bulkeley (DDG 84) and USS Farragut (DDG 99).CVW-1 squadrons, embarked on Harry S. Truman include the “Red Rippers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 11; the “Checkmates” of VFA-21; the “Sunliners” of VFA-81; the “Knighthawks” of VFA-136; the “Rooks” of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 137; the “Seahawks” of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126; the “Proud Warriors” of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 72; the Dragon Slayers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 11; and a detachment from the “Rawhides” of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40. U.S. 6th Fleet conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa. For more information on Naval Forces in Europe and Africa: Â http://www.c6f.navy.mil .Â
Statement of ICC Prosecutor, Mrs Fatou Bensouda, on opening a Preliminary Examination concerning the alleged deportation of the Rohingya people from Myanmar to Bangladesh.
Since the end of 2017, my Office has received a number of communications and reports concerning crimes allegedly committed against the Rohingya population in Myanmar and their deportation to Bangladesh.
The review of these communications, which constitutes the first phase of my Officeâs preliminary examination activities, shed light on a preliminary legal issue concerning the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court (âICCâ or âthe Courtâ), which I deemed appropriate to bring to the attention of the Courtâs judges. Having received confirmation from the Judges of Pre-Trial Chamber I that the Court may indeed exercise jurisdiction over the alleged deportation of the Rohingya people from Myanmar to Bangladesh, as well as potentially other crimes under article 7 of the Rome Statute, I have decided to proceed to the next phase of the preliminary examination process and to carry out a full-fledged preliminary examination of the situation at hand.
While Myanmar is not a State Party to the ICC, Bangladesh is. The Court may therefore exercise jurisdiction over conduct to the extent it partly occurred on the territory of Bangladesh. In this context, the preliminary examination may take into account a number of alleged coercive acts having resulted in the forced displacement of the Rohingya people, including deprivation of fundamental rights, killing, sexual violence, enforced disappearance, destruction and looting. My Office will further consider whether other crimes under article 7 of the Rome Statute may be applicable to the situation at hand, such as the crimes of persecution and other inhumane acts.
A preliminary examination is not an investigation but a process of examining the information available in order to reach a fully informed determination on whether there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation pursuant to the criteria established by the Rome Statute. Specifically, under article 53(1) of the Rome Statute, I, as Prosecutor, must consider issues of jurisdiction, admissibility and the interests of justice in making this determination. Every preliminary examination requires rigorous evaluation of the information available, thorough factual and legal analysis, and irreproachable assessment of the Rome Statute criteria. This is the least we owe to the victims.
In the independent and impartial exercise of its mandate, my Office also gives consideration to all submissions and views conveyed to it during the course of each preliminary examination, strictly guided by the requirements of the Rome Statute. Further, under the Rome Statute, national jurisdictions have the primary responsibility to investigate and prosecute those responsible for international crimes. In conformity with the complementarity principle, my Office will be engaging with the national authorities concerned with a view to discussing and assessing any relevant investigation and prosecution at the national level.
